Overview
R1a-Y17491 is one of the largest and most influential branches under R1a-CTS1211, forming a major element of eastern Slavic paternal ancestry. Its rise corresponds to the late Bronze Age in the regions around the upper Volga and Dnieper basins, areas that hosted cultures with strong Corded Ware derived ancestry and complex interactions between forest communities and steppe influenced populations.
During the Iron Age, Y17491 became deeply embedded in proto Slavic populations. Many archaeological contexts in Belarus, northern Ukraine and western Russia show continuity between early Slavic tribal formations and populations carrying Y17491 and its daughter branches. The lineage played a critical role during the early medieval Slavic expansions, with multiple subbranches undergoing strong founder effects.
Large sections of the Krivich, Dregovich and Novgorodian Slavic territories show paternal continuity tied to Y17491. Its presence in early Rus archaeological sites further emphasizes its demographic weight. Today, Y17491 forms a major core of the eastern Slavic genetic landscape and contributes significantly to understanding medieval population structures.
Geographic distribution
Y17491 reaches its highest modern frequencies in Belarus and western Russia. It is also widespread in Ukraine and Poland. High levels appear in Lithuania and Latvia, reflecting early Baltic-Slavic interactions. Smaller clusters occur in Estonia, Finland and northeastern Germany.
Ancient DNA
- Iron Age populations in Belarus show early Y17491 substructure.
- Proto Slavic burials in the upper Volga region contain lineages mapping to Y17491.
- Dregovich and Krivich medieval remains reveal strong Y17491 representation.
- Early Rus archaeological sites contain Y17491 derived haplotypes.
- Baltic Iron Age individuals display limited but deep branching Y17491 ancestry.
Phylogeny & subclades
Y17491 divides into several large subbranches including YP237-like and region-specific clusters. The phylogeny reflects dense medieval founder events and deep Bronze Age origins. Many branches show strong geographic anchoring between Belarus and northern Ukraine.
- R1a-Y17499
- R1a-Y17502
- Multiple region specific Slavic clusters
Notes & context
R1a-Y17491 is a central pillar of eastern Slavic paternal ancestry and a crucial node for reconstructing medieval Slavic ethnogenesis.
References & external links